An article by Guruji in Hindustan Times on 12th Nov 08

One of the most ancient of the 200-odd civilisations that history has known, the Indian civilization has survived mainly because of its spiritual lineage. Spirituality offers a universal value system that binds the people together and nurtures the scientific thought process. There is a marked difference between Oriental and Occidental spirituality.

In the Occidental way of thinking, belief comes first, and then experience follows. The Oriental philosophy and science have the same parameter: they both say experience first, and then believe. That is why there has never been a conflict between science and spirituality in this part of the world. Unlike in the West, not even a single scientist was prosecuted. Spirituality begins with Tatva Gyan. The journey starts with `idam’, which means knowing this, and moves on to `aham’, which means knowing the subjective Self.

Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity were all common thoughts in the philosophical schools in India 5,000 years ago. This heritage with such richness though limited to a few, like science, has impacted society at large. A country with diverse religious beliefs, languages, food habits and cultures, and a huge population has been held together by a common thread of spirituality.

Mahatma Gandhi knew that India’s breath is spirituality and he made use of that to unite the country. He used to do satsangs twice a day. It was through spirituality that he united people across India into a huge movement. He was a deeply spiritual person himself.

Politicians of today have not just moved far away from spirituality, they have rather become allergic to spirituality. Perhaps, that is the reason why they have lost the respect of society and corruption has crept into our society like never before. However, with a large number of youngsters waking up to this fact and imbibing spiritual values again, a revival seems round the corner.

Taking part in spiritual congregations has given youngsters new hope in their life as well as hope in the future of the nation. They have started dreaming of a violence-free, corruption-free society. Commitment to bringing justice in society, devoid of spiritual values, has cost the nation heavily. Take for example the youths who have turned to the Naxalite movement. They are not having a party in the forests; they are putting their life at risk. They are dedicated to their own notion of freedom. Maoists and insurgents have a dream of their own for a corruption-free country, but the means they adopt are violent. These youths have commitment, but they lack spirituality. They have the best interests of the country at heart, but a lack of spirituality in their approach has brought so much pain and suffering to themselves and others.

We have to make clear distinctions between religion and spirituality. Religion divides people, spirituality unites. While religion is made up of concepts, spirituality is practical and is life-transforming. It is spirituality that can evoke compassion and inspire people to take up initiatives for a common cause. It can bring corporate social responsibility. In the coming years, India can really show to the world how to build a violence-free society, a society with more understanding and patience, with unity in diversity and of happy people.

The state needs to have a more humane face. It cannot divide people on religious grounds, whether minority or majority. Their economy and social backwardness should be the only criteria for uplifting people and not religion as is happening now in several places.

We need to promote multi-cultural, multi-religious education more vigorously. Be it Kashmir or Kerala, Assam or Maharashtra, all citizens of India should have equal rights. Gender equality has to be promoted. We need leaders, who don’t think about short-term gains, but rather strive for nation’s development tirelessly. To infuse new blood into our polity, there should be a certain retirement age for politicians. However, after retirement they should continue to guide the younger generation of politicians. There is no retirement age for guidance and sharing wisdom.

Self-reliance should be our priority at the village level. Think globally and act locally should be our policy. Our youth should become entrepreneurs and explore opportunities throughout the world. I see India as world’s centre for spirituality because it has the capability to guide humanity out of the problems that the world is facing today. It is already guiding the world in lifestyle changes for a healthy and a better society through its ancient wisdom of yoga, meditation and ayurveda.

The time has come for India to reclaim her rightful place on the world stage. In order for this to occur, we need to become more confident and take pride in our cultural and spiritual roots. The spiritual wisdom, which was her glory in the past, has been almost forgotten and needs to be revived.

NEW POST INDIA

Awakening Spirituality Can Prevent Suicides: Sri Sri

Friday 28th of March 2008

The recent spate of suicides by poverty struck farmers and students afraid of academic failure can be prevented by awakening spirituality in people through collective prayers, music and meditation, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar believes.

‘India has been through so much. The British ruled the country, history abounds in stories of how the country was plundered by aliens – no one committed suicides then. How come now? It is because we have become so selfish that we refuse to help our neighbours. We are short on spirituality,’ the Art of Living Foundation guru said here Thursday evening at the inauguration of a three-day mahasatsang.

The March 28-30 religious gathering is being organised as a tribute to his spiritual mentor Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who died in February.

‘My guru Mahesh Yogi said collective prayers and meditation can awaken the dormant spirituality and virtues in man. Our duty is to make it happen through a three-fold path of music, spirituality and pranayama,’ Sri Sri said.

The sprawling DDA Swarna Jayanti Park in Rohini is playing host to more than 5,000 devotees who will practise collective pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, listen to discourses by the guru and relieve stress through devotional music. It is one of the biggest-ever Art of Living spiritual retreats in the capital in recent times.

Thursday’s inauguration was a spectacular show attended by the several politicians, including L.K. Advani, V.P. Singh, Buta Singh and Delhi Mayor Aarti Mehra. An entourage of Carnatic musicians comprising more than 60 percussion and veena players and flautists entertained the packed house.

People sat scattered across the carpeted venue in a semi-circle while the seer and the guests shared dais on an impressive podium erected nearly 40 feet above the ground. Two giant screens beamed the proceedings for those at the rear.

The discourse began with meditation, followed by the mayor’s inaugural address. Mehta introduced the foundation to the participants of the camp – many of whom were first-timers – and listed its activity and objectives.

It was followed by a short speech by Advani, who kept his address ‘apolitical and succinct’ as advised by his ‘guru’. Buta Singh cited an anecdote from the life of Sikh guru Sant Ravidas in paying his homage to the Art of Living founder. A commemorative volume on Sri Sri was also released on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the spiritual guru said the country must do something for millions of its children who deserve a better future.

‘If you look into the eyes of every child, there is god. You shower me with so much love, why not give some of it to the children of the country,’ he said.

According to the seer, India, which is steeped in tradition of bonding and belonging, ‘should learn to bear with all for a society free of tension for our children to flourish.’

Taking a leaf out of Mahesh Yogi’s philosophy, he said: ‘Our sages have handed us rich legacy of Vedic knowledge like Ayurveda, Gandharv Veda and the ancient sciences. We must ensure that it reaches every home.’

Sri Sri said a calm and happy mind, which only meditation and pranayama can ensure, is the only way to redeem humanity, clean up the polluted environment- both physical and mental – and end violence across the world.

Ravi Shankar told IANS that art was very relevant in life.

‘It is a way of life, it enriches life and is part of man’s spiritual growth. Life has to be colourful. Actually, it is full of colours. You have to recognise them and interpret them,’ he said.

Sri Sri said colour, spiritual balance and social service are the essence of life.